Black Friday

Although I am writing this post a few days in advance of Thanksgiving, I feel pretty confident saying that I am stuffed today. I love Thanksgiving dinner.

Unless you are living in a bomb-shelter (surrounded by the black flats and penny loafers that you’ve stockpiled), you are aware that everything is on sale today, Black Friday. When I first heard that phrase as a child, I was very confused. Though coined to describe the day retailers move solidly into the black for the year (which, it seemed to me, should be cause for celebration or at least profound relief, since it is coming at literally the eleventh hour), it sounded so ominous. And now it’s practically a national holiday. Perhaps the industry was foretelling our sad descent into oppressive and ultimately self-destructive materialism?

But here we are, so let’s move on to brighter topics. I just wanted to share a few gift ideas with you — for your mother, sister or best friend . . . or for you to pass on to your significant other.